Ground-breaking study finds that aspirin at bedtime can cut the risk of heart attack

AN aspirin before going to bed can dramatically slash the risk of suffering a heart attack, a study reveals.

Study finds that taking the drug before bed can have huge health benefits [GETTY]

Millions of patients take a low- dose pill to prevent heart attacks, coronary disease and stroke.

But ground-breaking research has discovered that timing can have a major impact – and taking the tablet before sleeping has a greater beneficial effect.

Aspirin thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. The drug lowers platelet activity – the ability of blood cells to stick together and form clots – which is known to be higher in the morning.

The study, at Leiden University Medical Centre in the ­Netherlands, was the first to explore the timing of daily aspirin intake among heart disease sufferers. It showed that taking aspirin at bedtime led to lower platelet activity, and a lower risk of clotting.

Researcher Dr Tobias Bonten said: “Because higher platelet activity contributes to a higher risk of acute heart events, this simple intervention – switching aspirin intake from morning to bedtime – could be beneficial for the millions of patients with heart disease who take aspirin daily.”

His research, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions meeting in Dallas, Texas, was based on a study of 290 patients who took a 100mg aspirin either when they woke or at bedtime during two three-month periods.

A small dose of aspirin at night can cut the risk of heart attack or stroke [ALAMY]

Because higher platelet activity contributes to a higher risk of acute heart events, this simple intervention – switching aspirin intake from morning to bedtime – could be beneficial for the millions of patients with heart disease who take aspirin dai

Researcher Dr Tobias Bonten

Their blood pressure and blood platelet activity was measured at the end of each period.

Blood pressure was not affected but the results showed aspirin taken at night led to a significant reduction in platelet activity.

A British expert said more research into the idea was needed.

Maureen Talbot, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We know aspirin can be vital in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

“Research into the best time to take a daily dose of aspirin is an interesting idea, but we would need to see much larger and longer studies before a change in practice can be recommended.

“For now, keep taking your daily aspirin as recommended by your doctor. If you have any concerns about your medication, talk with your GP.”

Aspirin lowers blood pressure to normal for up to 24 hours but only when taken before bed [GETTY]

Previous research has hailed the protective benefits of aspirin. One study showed that heart patients who stop taking prescribed aspirin were two-thirds more likely to suffer another attack. People with a history of heart disease who took low-dose aspirin to prevent blood clotting but then stopped were at a 60 per cent greater risk of non-fatal ­seizures. This was irrespective of the length of time they had been taking the drug.

For every 1,000 patients, there were four more non-fatal heart attacks among those who stopped taking ­aspirin than those who carried on.

But up to half of long-term users are believed to stop taking aspirin. Patients are advised they should never stop unless explicitly advised, and doctors should keep their patients on low-dose aspirin for as long as they can.

Other research has shown that a small dose of aspirin at night can cut the risk of heart attack or stroke in those with rising blood pressure.

It was discovered that aspirin lowers blood pressure to normal for up to 24 hours – but the effect was only seen when it was taken before bed. Researchers said a 75mg dose – one fifth of the amount in a standard tablet – could prevent many people with normal to high blood pressure, known as pre-hypertension, from having to take expensive long-term drugs.

Although it is not known exactly why aspirin works better at night, researchers believe it may slow down the production of hormones and other substances that cause clotting.